Commissioners approve signing of final documents for $33.5 million sale of Pleasant Acres

The York County Commissioners unanimously approved the signing of final documents authorizing the $33.5 million sale of Pleasant Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation Center during a Wednesday, July 25, commissioners meeting.

The commissioners announced in February that the county was considering selling the nursing home, prompting nursing home employees, residents and their families to rise in opposition and vocally berate the idea in several town hall meetings.

In May, however, the commissioners voted to sell the facility.

More:Residents to commissioners: Don't sell Pleasant Acres

More:York County commissioners vote to sell Pleasant Acres for $30.8 million

Premier Healthcare Management, a for-profit nursing home operator, agreed to purchase the 375-bed facility, along with the nearby York County Annex and Elm Spring independent senior living units, for $30.8 million.

The county decided to sell the nursing home as a condominium while the two sides work out how to subdivide the property in order to expedite the process.

More:York County nursing home to be sold as 'condominium' while subdivision worked out

Commissioner Doug Hoke was the only member who remained unsure of the sale, claiming that he wasn't confident that the deal was the best decision.

Unanimous approval: On Wednesday, however, all three commissioners unanimously voted to continue with the sale, now for $33.5 million, and sign final documents in front of an empty, quiet room.

The commissioners declined to comment on the vote, directing inquiries to county administrator Mark Derr.

Derr reiterated the reasoning for the sale given by the two supporting commissioners, stating the sale would be a "huge boost for the budget" and relieve taxpayer burden.

The final step is for Premier Healthcare Management to take the documents to the Department of Health to officially request a transfer of ownership, he said.

The transfer is expected to take place Sept. 28.

Despite the public backlash, Derr said the commissioners handled the situation well, given that most of those in opposition were "nursing home employees, the residents or their families."